Author: gleanernewspaper

Madam Kadiatu Allie Deputy Minister of Finance 1, Madam Kadiatu Allie, has concluded her participation at a Special Event on Transforming Education, convened by the UN Secretary-General (António Guterres), in collaboration with the President of the General Assembly (Dennis Francis), and the President of the Economic and Social Council (Paula Narváez). The event was hosted at the ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters in New York on 11 July 2024.The Special Event on Transforming Education sought to address the outcomes of the Transforming Education Summit (TES), stocktake and mobilise support for advancing education, consistent with the UN’s overall agenda. In preparation for the…

His Excellency Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, the Sierra Leone Ambassador to China has taken the ‘Feed-Salone’ Project to Cagreementshina’s most productive agricultural Province, Henan. The objective of the visit is to follow up on the cooperation signed between China and Sierra Leone during President Bio’s State visit to the former. In Henan Province, Ambassador Karim visited the cities of Zhengzhou, Xuchang, and Luoyang. The Ambassador was received by a member of the ruling Party Standing Committee at Henan Province, Zhang Min, who doubles as Vice Governor of the Province. In her address, she reflected on the deep tradition of friendship…

With promises of job creation, tourist attraction, and local economic growth, the project appeared to be a win-win for all parties involved. However, nearly 11 years later, the hotel is still unfinished, raising questions about the National Social Security and Insurance Trust’s (NASSIT) management abilities. According to NASSIT, the project has stalled due to a variety of issues, including funding disbursement delays, COVID-19, and the Ministry of Lands’ failure to sign the land’s title plan. Despite these challenges, NASSIT has taken no action to reclaim the hotel from the concessionaire. Three years ago, Shapoorgi Pallonji Energining Construction Companies stopped working…

By James SambaThe concepts of “blue economy” and “green economy” are gaining global traction as frameworks for sustainable development. However, in Sierra Leone, much like in many other African countries, understanding and implementing these concepts remain challenging. This blog critically examines how Sierra Leone perceives and measures these concepts, drawing on the sustainable livelihood approach and perspectives from key stakeholders in government, development experts, and ordinary citizens. Understanding the Blue and Green Economy The green economy aims to improve human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities (UNEP, 2011). The blue economy, on the other…

When the government of Sierra Leone decided to go into agreement with Chinese Mining Company Leone Rock Metal Group, serious concerns were raised about security, and monopoly amongst others. But the Minister of Mines, Julius Mattai boasted about his close affinity with President Bio and that whatever thing he does will be accepted by the President without a second thought. The Minister of Mines also took it upon himself and talk down other credible companies that should have been given the ports and rail contract for which the government would have gained a huge amount of money in terms of…

Since the government launched its landmark Free Quality School Education Program in 2018, Sierra Leone has made significant gains in school enrollment. Before the introduction, education outcomes and skills acquisition were among the lowest in Africa. The education sector also faced deep access inequalities, weak sector governance, and inefficient public spending and management. The Free Education Project has helped in addressing these challenges, as well as supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in its efforts. Other non-governmental organisations and private individuals have also helped in making sure that this government initiative achieves its desired outcome. Hon. Abdul Muniru Lansana and David…

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally launched the popularisation and decentralisation of ownership of the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030 at a colourful ceremony in Moyamba Town, where he assured of the government’s commitment to prioritising district needs in implementing the plan. He described the ceremony as a novelty, stressing that the ceremony “opens a new chapter in our government’s desire to localise our developmental strides and place the key to the country’s sustainable economic growth and development in the hands of the people. This initiative is not just a plan, but a promise to…

Executive Chairman of PRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma and President Dr Julius Maada Bio His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has received the annual report from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) and assured them of looking through it while calling on them to do more reforms. In his introductory statement before presenting the report, Executive Chairman of PRA, Brima Baluwa Koroma, said that as a statutory body charged with a lot of responsibilities, among them the mandate to manage government strategic stock, they are obliged by law to present a report on their activities, successes, challenges and plans for the…

The Honorable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has engaged a cross-section of Sierra Leoneans in London.During the meeting at the Strand Palace Hotel, held on Friday, 12th July 2024, Vice President Dr Juldeh Jalloh spoke in-depth about the efforts of the government under the direction of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to reposition and elevate Sierra Leone, both domestically and on the international stage.The honourable Vice President also acknowledged the challenges incurred amid the positive forward strides.This meeting followed a session with the Sierra Leone High Commissioner, Dr Morie Manyeh, and staff…

Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) has achieved a significant milestone by connecting the residents of Foegamandu in Sandor Chiefdom, to mobile connectivity through its rural telephony project (RTP) to close the gap to the digital divide. This initiative aims to provide digital access to underserved communities, showcasing their dedication to closing the digital gap and granting all Sierra Leoneans access to technology’s transformative capabilities.The RTP rollout spans five rural communities, which include Yoyema in Kaiyamba Chiefdom, Sogablleh in Bum Chiefdom, Bendu-Cha in Bonthe District, Dodo-Kortuma in Kailahun District, and Foegamandu in Kono District. Approximately, 47,700 people in 114 rural and remote areas,…